Celebrating our brightest emerging artists and established legends, the QMAs are a state-wide search for Queensland’s best music. Spanning 13 self-nominating categories including Pop, Rock, Blues / Roots, Country, Hip-Hop / Rap, Electronic / Dance, Heavy, Video and Schools.
Applications are now open for the 2019 Billy Thorpe Scholarship, funded by the Queensland Government and administered by QMusic. Now in its 11th year, the award provides $10,000 for an emerging artist to record with an established producer, and receive career-planning advice from Chugg Entertainment.
The scholarship, named in honour of the late Billy Thorpe, a great Australian rock musician who passed away in February 2007, was designed to help develop the future of rock and roll.
Thorpe spent his formative years in Brisbane and made an enormous contribution to the Australian and global music industry over five decades of performing, writing and producing.
Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said the Queensland Music Awards were a wonderful celebration of Queensland’s thriving music industry.
“The Palaszczuk Government, through Arts Queensland, proudly supports our state’s contemporary music scene,” Ms Enoch said.
“We’ve invested in QMusic to present the QMAs and BIGSOUND, in addition to a raft of awards that enable artists to take advantage of professional development opportunities and access new audiences. This includes the $10,000 Billy Thorpe Scholarship, which for ten years has supported local emerging musicians with their career development and helped them hone their art."
“Bearing the name of one of Australia’s rock’n’roll trailblazers, the scholarship is unlocking some exceptional musical talent here in Queensland, and putting truly promising artists on a path to success.”
Earlier this year the 2018 scholarship was awarded to 23-year-old Far North Queensland songstress Greta Stanley.
“Being the recipient of the 2018 Billy Thorpe Scholarship has allowed me to create & soon release new music I otherwise would have been struggling to afford and manage to do successfully. Being nominated for a QMA gave me confidence and reassurance that my art is important and appreciated by industry professionals and listeners alike.”
Greta Stanley
2018 Winner - Billy Thorpe Scholarship
A recording grant for early career artists, the scholarship, named in honour of the late Billy Thorpe was designed to help develop the future of rock and roll. The Scholarship is for an emerging musician or band over 18. You must be a Qld resident and in the early stages of developing your career.
BIGSOUND Wins at 2018 NLMAs
BIGSOUND has been named Queensland Live Event of the Year for the third year running at the 2018 National Live Music Awards! A huge thanks to all the venues, volunteers, artists and partners that make BIGSOUND Festival possible.
Danny Harley Wins Grant McLennan Fellowship
Brisbane electronic artist and producer Danny Harley (The Kite String Tangle) has been awarded the prestigious $25,000 Grant McLennan Fellowship for 2018.
School's Out!
About to finish school for the year and want something fun to do over the summer break? There are a bunch of great youth workshops, events and opportunities happening all around Queensland. From songwriting camps to awesome gigs to learning how to work in radio, check out all the exciting things happening over the holidays!
HOTA: Creative Development Program
Gold Coast's HOTA (Home of the Arts) have launched their new Creative Development Program, offering cash support for both individual artists and arts companies for the development of new projects and opening up their spaces to be used in creating and performing new work. Apply before 25 January!
Work at QMusic
QMusic is seeking an entrepreneurial and visionary person to fill the role of Chief Executive Officer. Apply by Dec 24, 2018
Mentoring Program For Women
QMusic is proud to announce the Women in Music Mentoring program. Apply now for one of eight mentorships and learn in a one-on-one environment from female leaders in the Queensland business community.